Newsletters
Shane Larkin, one of the stars of the Türkiye men's national basketball team, has officially announced the end of his international career after winning the silver medal at EuroBasket 2025.
The 32-year-old guard shared a lengthy farewell message on social media. Larkin explained that when he first signed to play in Türkiye seven years ago, he saw it as just another opportunity to continue the game he loved. Over the years, however, he said the country had truly become his “second home.”
He emphasized how much the support, acceptance, and love he received from fans and teammates meant to him, admitting it was worth more than any medal.
While acknowledging the disappointment of falling short of the ultimate goal of winning gold, Larkin underlined that the journey itself and the connection with the people of Türkiye would remain unforgettable. He thanked his teammates, coaches, and everyone who played a role in this chapter of his career.
“I will always and forever be one with you,” he wrote. “From the bottom of my heart, I love you. Thank you Türkiye.”
Born on Oct. 2, 1992, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Shane Larkin is an American-born Turkish professional basketball player. He played college basketball at the University of Miami before being selected 18th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks and immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks.
Larkin went on to play in the NBA for the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, and Boston Celtics. In 2016, he moved to Europe to join Baskonia, and two years later, signed with Anadolu Efes in Türkiye. At Efes, he became one of the club’s all-time greats, winning EuroLeague titles, earning MVP honors, and breaking multiple records.
After obtaining Turkish citizenship, Larkin represented the Türkiye national team. He was a vital member of the squad that won silver at EuroBasket 2025, before announcing his retirement from international basketball the same year.
More than his numbers and titles, Larkin is remembered for his leadership, passion, and the deep bond he formed with Türkiye, a country he now calls his second home.
2 min read
